TIME RUNNING OUT FOR PIEMEN

BAKERS and butchers are reminded that entries for the World Scotch Pie Championships close at 5pm on Monday, November 7.
The championships, now in their 13th year, have already encouraged a healthy entry.
But Buckhaven-based baker and butcher, Alan Stuart, the organiser of the popular event, is keen to encourage as many entries as possible.
Judging is from 12.30pm on Tuesday, November 15, at Carnegie College, Dunfermline, and the prizes will be awarded on Thursday, January 5, (2pm) at a special lunch also in Dunfermline.
Mr Stuart said: “We’ve been greatly encouraged by the level of entries so far. However, this is a showcase for bakers and butchers and we always try to encourage as many as possible to enter.
“We are in a recession. People need to market their business effectively and what better way to publicise your craft than to become a world champion?
“Previous winners have seen their turnover increase by over 30 per cent and the reigning champion, Maurice Irvine, has enjoyed tremendous business since he was crowned in January.
“His pies have even been featured during a major launch of a leading football tournament at Hampden Park.
“And Maurice has also opened up new markets, including providing pies for one of Scotland’s most famous pubs.”
Mr Stuart added: “We used to have our awards lunch at the end of November. However, we had to delay it last year because of the snow and the feedback from bakers and butchers was that January was the ideal time.
“So, we’re holding the awards on January 5 and that allows businesses more time to really capitalise on their win.”
Apart from Scotch Pies, entries are also welcomed for bridies and savoury products.

Full details are available on a dedicated web-site at www.scotchpieclub.co.uk.

Entry forms are available from Anna Drogon at the Scottish Association of Master Bakers (SAMB), 4 Torphichen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8JQ (tel: 0131 229 2401) or Bruce McCall at the Scottish Federation of Meat traders Association, 8-10 Needless Road, Perth PH2 0JW (tel: 01738 637472).

ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE FOR WORLD SCOTCH PIE CHAMPIONSHIP

IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED,
PIE, PIE, PIE AGAIN


Bakers and butchers are turning their thoughts to glory as entries are now open for the World Scotch Pie Championship.
The championships, now in their 13th year, will be held at Carnegie College, Dunfermline.
Judging is on Tuesday, November 15 and the prizes will be awarded at a celebration lunch on Thursday, January 5, 2012.
Buckhaven-based baker and butcher, Alan Stuart, organiser of the popular event, said: “This later date will, we hope, allow all winners to have more time to capitalise on their awards instead of trying to fit things round the Christmas and New Year rush.”
He added: “In these difficult times, we believe that success in competitions like ours can help tremendously to bring your business to local and national prominence.
“Customers are ever more intent on seeking out best value linked with quality and, although price matters, real value for money matters more.
“Success in competitions displays clearly to your customers that your products are the best.”



ENTRY forms available from Anna Drogon at the Scottish Association of Master Bakers (SAMB), 4 Torphichen Street, Edinburgh EH3 8JQ (tel: 0131 229 2401) or Bruce McCall at the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, 8-10 Needless Road, Perth PH2 0JW (tel: 01738 637472).

The dedicated web-site for information is www.scotchpieclub.co.uk